Haiti Prototype Rag Dolly Finished!

After the adventures of the ‘easy’ sew pattern last week, I decided to give that a rest and start on my ‘intermediate’ Free Rag Doll Pattern I am making for everyone to share.

First I sketched out what I wanted the doll to look like, added a ¼ inch to each piece and merrily began to cut them out in card.

First thing I noted, the fancier the design, the more waste in fabric. That’s not good.

Second thing I realized. I loathe sewing doll thumbs at this scale, and so does my machine. I managed to jam it just after taking this photo. Far too fiddly and the end result was no better than the rounded ones I started doing.

Third thing. Boy did I make the arms too long and everything was far too skinny, making stuffing a slow job! The boy dolly (who I started with) looks like a runner bean, poor chap! I made a few quick adjustments to the girl dolly … but I’d already cut the pattern out – silly Sarah!

Fourth thing. Incorporating the hair into the design will make it much quicker than this method (didn’t have any black felt on hand, but I think the colors make the dollies look cute! So I might stick to it in the final design. Ahh I love it when you make happy mistakes!)

And last but not least ….. I think their faces might have too much detail ……... Especially if i am to teach someone who doesn’t paint. (don’t get me started on the shape of their heads …. Prototype people!!! hahaha) anyway…. All in all, I am pretty happy with the first shot at a dolly pattern and will look forward to tinkering with it over the next week.

Have a Lovely Weekend, & Happy Sewing!

Read more...

Haiti: The question now is, are they really Orphans?

With calls for international adoption processes to be sped up, some are questioning whether taking supposedly unwanted children away from their homeland, even in extreme or impoverished conditions, is the right solution.

"Orphanages are clearing houses in Haiti. As soon as the children enter the home, they are signed up to an international adoption agency. This means that the parents, if they are alive and they want them back, cannot get them back."  Stated Roelie Post, of Against Child Trafficking.

A very very frightening thought for any parent ……

Read More…..

Read more...

Back to the Drawing Board..

What a day. First the printer ….. I got over it and made up a dolly …..and now.... well quite frankly I’m not happy with the Dolly’s proportions. She needs longer arms, more of a shape, she’s looking far to triangular at the moment.

These little Dollies mean so much to me, as I know they will to a little boy or girl who has nothing to call their own. I will not send a child something I am not happy with…. Ok, off to start sketching again!!!

Read more...

Haiti Dolly Almost Finished but ..

I am so close to getting the Haiti Dollies up on line and of course, something crops up … yup my printer’s dying on me! To say it’s frustrating, is an understatement!

I am trying to write up the tutorial and make a test batch of Dollies, and each print out is getting worse and worse …. The printer is not my friend today. It has ink, I have the pdf file (thank you Jeanie!), I have transfer paper loaded correctly … but oh no, it couldn’t be that easy …. I have big stripes through my print out ….. but when I do it on normal paper it’s fine! Must be the sheen on the paper, huh. Changed the setting …..Nope still lines!

Oh how frustrating, I really wanted to get the two Dollies up on line today :( The prints aren’t horrendous, I’m just a perfectionist …. Maybe I’ll make them up anyway so that I can write the tutorial….. and wait for my hubby to fix the printer after he gets back from the station tomorrow morning ….

WISH ME LUCK :)

Read more...

My Haiti Orphanage Care Package

My dollies might not be ready but ......... I went through my cupboards and put a care package together for Gods Littlest Angels Orphanage (caring for children from birth to 7 years of age) in Haiti. I’ve added some toothbrushes (you can get a set of 6 at the $ store!!!) and some diaper rash cream also … not a whole lot, but I think that every little helps…

If you would like to put a care package together also, here’s a list of the things they are in need of:

powdered formula,
baby cereal
infant and children’s vitamins
diapers,
baby wipes,
infant Tylenol,
Baby care items (e.g. lotion, powder, baby shampoo)
clothing (for the towns people),
medical supplies,
hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste,
blankets
towels.

They will be sending a shipping container to their Haiti orphanage as soon as it’s filled.

God's Littlest Angels
2085 Crystal River Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Read more...

Haiti Earthquake Creates Thousands of New Orphans

As a 5-month-old Haiti patient arrives at a Israeli field hospital, the doctors have a dilemma on their hands … What will they do with him after his surgery?

They have no information about the boy's family, or whether any of his relatives are alive.

“Tens of thousands of children have been orphaned by the earthquake, aid groups say — so many that officials won't venture a number. With so many buildings destroyed and growing chaos in the capital, it is conceivable that many children are alone.”

"As yet they are still on the streets," said Elizabeth Rodgers, of the Britain-based international orphan group SOS Children. "Without doubt, most of them are in the open."

Even before the earthquake, the United Nations Children's Fund reported that Haiti, had approximately 380,000 children living in orphanages or group homes….

Good news is, a U.S. Homeland Security spokesman said that orphans who have any ties to the U.S. e.g. a family member already living here, can get special permission to remain in the United States.

Read More Here ...........

Read more...

Adorable Knit Dollies - Free Pattern

These two cuddly Free Dolly Patterns are just so sweet. The only thing that is a shame is they don’t have adorable smiley faces to match …. But I am sure they would be easy to embroider on ;)

If you know of any other free online Crochet or Knit Dolly patterns or have one you’d like to share with Dolly Donations, please let me know!!

Thanks, and Happy Knitting!

Read more...

Mamchee's Crochet Dollies - Free Pattern

I have been looking for a simple, but cute crochet dolly for those who don't sew out there and I think I have found her!

The ever so talented Tara Murray, (aka Mamchee) has made these adorable Free Dolly Patterns for all to share on her blog, Crafty & Crochet Stuff.

If you know of any free online Crochet or Knit Dolly patterns or have one you’d like to share with Dolly Donations, please let me know!!

Thanks, and Happy Crocheting!

Read more...

Dolly Outline & Color is Done!

I am so excited! I have finally, not only completed the outline for both the basic boy and girl dollies, but I have finished the colors for the Haiti Dolly Donation Patten.

Now it doesn’t seem so impossible that I will have a doll made, and the tutorial written by the end of the week!!!

Ok, off to pre-wash all my fabric!!

Read more...

How to Donate Your Child’s Old Toys

Are they really old? Chances are they are still in good condition, it’s just that little Jimmy or Stacy aren’t so little anymore!! Why keep all that clutter around when you know there’s a kiddy out there who would love that gently used Teddy?

First do a double check on recalls, and make sure nothings broken, especially on items that could potentially harm a child (e.g. bouncers).

Now get the plastic gloves on & start cleaning everything. Soft toys you can spot clean (if they can’t be thrown in the wash) and plastic or wood can be cleaned quickly with soapy water. Next a mild bleach & water solution to kill all the bugs (‘My baby doesn’t have cooties’, you scream!!! I know I know, but the lady collecting your donation box isn’t going to believe that when she sees Jimmy with his finger up his nose….). I like the Lysol disinfectant spray or wipes, very quick & easy to do.

Here are some useful links I’ve found:
How to Remove Stains on Vinyl Dolls
How to Clean a Fluffy Toy With Shampoo
8 ways to remove permanent marker stains

OK, now think where are the toys going to go … local churches, women’s shelters, playgroups at libraries, schools, daycares, hospitals, and of course charitable organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Jude Hospital, etc

Call or e-mail ahead and make sure they are looking for the items you have. (Attaching a few photos to the e-mail, will save time in the long run.)

Bag them up and drop them off! Some organizations will come and collect them (good for big items).

Now start picking out colors for Jimmy’s room so you can turn it into a craft space when he leaves for college ;)!

Read more...